Top 10 Under 40: Punit Shah

Bio: Punit is making a splash with his new hotel Aloft in downtown. He’s spent the last 10 years in South Tampa and moved here from Boston to take over Liberty Group when his father, Raxit Shah, who retired from the firm after nearly 35 years. He’s invested in hotels and assisted living facilities across the country, but this is his first hotel in downtown Tampa.

Philanthropic Efforts: Punit has actively volunteered his time and resources for Give Kids the World, an organization based in Orlando that helps children with terminal illnesses. Kids ages 3-16 spend up to a week at the 70-acre village and enjoy storybook-style amenities that make them the star.

When I’m not in the office: I like to race Porsches.

If I could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive: Conrad Hilton

Where do you take out-of-town guests to show off Tampa Bay: Downtown St. Pete.

Motto: We’re here to enrich the lives of other, if you do that good things happens.

If you could nominate someone else for this recognition: Will Conroy, attorney for Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP

Mentor/role model: Tod Leiweke, the CEO of the Tampa Bay Lightning

If i wasn’t doing this, I’d be: Racing professionally

Best meal in town: edison Food + Drink Lab

Best thing I can cook: blackened salmon on the grill

Favorite movie: Batman Dark Knight Rises

Favorite album: John Mayer, Born and Raised

Last book I read: Outliers Story of Success by Malclom Gladwell

How I spend the holidays: My wife, Carla Shah, and I like to travel. This year we’re going to Europe for a month.